SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Former Irish blueliner and 2023 graduate from the University of Notre Dame, Ben Brinkman has signed his first professional contract with the Iowa Heartlanders of the ECHL, the club announced Monday afternoon.
The graduate defenseman from Edina, Minnesota, joined the Irish ahead of the 2022-23 season and made an immediate impact on the both sides of the puck. This past season, Brinkman tallied two goals and two assists for the Irish while providing strength on the other end of the ice.
“My time at Notre Dame was amazing,” Brinkman reminisced. “For the past year, I was able to learn from the coaches and make connections with my teammates, making it an unforgettable year.”
In five years of collegiate hockey, Brinkman was the leading active defenseman at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, having appeared in 175 games between his time at Minnesota (2018-22) and Notre Dame (2022-23).
He is set to make his professional debut for Iowa in 2023-24.